Thanks to Hurricane Matthew and a whirlwind of bad press surrounding ‘Birth of a Nation’ star Nate Parker and his refusal to apologize for his involvement in a 17-year-old rape case (that he was acquitted of), the historical film – which depicts the Nat Turner-led slave revolt of 1831 – bombed something fierce at the box office this past weekend.

Well, according to FOX executive Frank Rodriguez, that depends on how you define “bomb.”

For many-an-outlet the flick was deemed a flop because it was only able to drum up 7.1 million at the box office – an undoubtedly low sum considering FOX Searchlight acquired it during the Sundance Film Festival for a record-breaking $17.5 million deal.

Despite the expectations, Rodriguez asserts the studio is pleased with ‘Nation’s performance to date…

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The comedy world was dealt a blow this morning when fans of the iconic 90’s sitcom ‘Martin’ learned one of its stars, Tommy Ford [‘Tommy’], reportedly passed away due to complications from knee surgery.

Originally reported by ‘black-ish’ star and friend Anthony Anderson, news outlets began sharing the story in droves…until reporter Ryan Parker reached out to Ford’s agent for an official statement.  It was then Parker learned Ford was actually still alive…until newly refreshed reports confirmed the worst.

Sad news below:

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It goes without saying that Drake and Beyonce served as the reigning King and Queen of the charts this year

Hence, it’s fitting that the ‘Mine’ collaborators lead the pack of talent in the nominations for the 2016 Soul Train Awards.

Drizzy, much like his AMA placings, stands tallest with 11 honors, while Bey blazes the scene with 8.

Both have achieved gargantuan success with their ‘Views’ and ‘Lemonade’ projects respectively.

The awards are set to be handed out on November 6th at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena, with the ceremony itself airing on BET on November 27th. 

Peep the full list of nominees after the jump…

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Is Azealia Banks on the comeback trail?

After inking a fresh deal, she very well could be.

Full story below…

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Gabrielle Union made headlines today when news of her lawsuit against BET hit the wire.

The timing of filing (and indeed the filing itself) shocked many, given that season 4 of her hit series ‘Being Mary Jane’ launches in January on…BET.

Per reports, Union is unhappy due to strategic plays she feels are being made to get more out of her – for less money.

As reported, her suit read:

“BET represented and assured Ms. Union before she agreed to perform in Being Mary Jane that it would never produce more than thirteen (13) episodes per season of the series. BET now wants to shoot twenty (20) episodes of the series back-to-back and cram all of the episodes into a single season in order to fraudulently extend the term of Ms. Union’s contract, with no additional consideration, and to deprive Ms. Union of her agreed-upon compensation for the next two seasons of ‘Being Mary Jane.’

Wasting no time, BET have clapped-back. Read their response below…

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Her epic reach on CNN has left her reaching for wig glue after a certain fan group got wind of her ill-fated comments.

That’s right, just as we reported here, Trump surrogate/economic advisor Betsy McCaughey is undoubtedly in need of some advising of her own after she unsuccessfully attempted to discredit Hillary Clinton by suggesting the former Secretary of State’s love for pop superstar Beyonce is just as bad as Trump’s misogynistic rant from 2005.

Even going as far as quoting NSFW-lyrics from Bey’s 2016 hit ‘Formation’ to support her argument, McCaughey delivered some seriously cringe-worthy TV – a feat that earned her a swarm of Beyhive stings.  Now, just days after the infraction, Betsy’s gone bye bye.

Get updated below if you missed any of this action from earlier this week:

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For over two decades, Brandy has shone like a beacon in the realms of R&B and beyond. Hence, it’s fitting that she’s been named as the recipient of the Lady Of Soul honor at the 2016 Soul Train Awards.

Full story below…

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Welcome to Screen Juice, the TGJ original feature carved out to keep you in the cut with all things TV and Film related.

Why today’s edition is one you don’t want to miss?

Movie news from Ava DuVernay and Beyonce below…

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With the battle for streaming supremacy still raging, Amazon are riding in on their horse with a new service.

Full story below…

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The socialite and Reality TV star Antonia Wright has suggested that her old friend Tamar Braxton was behind her “blacklisting” from the FOX TV series ‘The Real.’

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Two years removed from a successful term on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Keith Carlos seeks fresh pastures in the world of acting.

Keen to catch up with the entertainer as he prepares to make a foray into television and the ‘Chocolate City’ family, That Grape Juice sat down with him to discuss the latest chapter of his inspiring story.

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Cop a gander of Janet Jackson!

Exactly one year after her ‘Unbreakable’ album debuted at #1, the 50-year-old officially confirms her pregnancy — and wears it fabulously.

Posing for PEOPLE magazine, the Queen of Pop cradles her large baby bump, which she pairs with her trademark smile.

Her accompanying interview is set for release on Friday, but find out some of what she had to say below…

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